Proposed model showing the effects of corticosterone on VEGF/Flk1 signaling pathway in mouse frontal cortex.

Abstract

<p>The signaling events induced by corticosterone (CORT) are mediated through the Glucocorticoid receptor (GR). The reduction in Flk1 levels following long-term continuous CORT exposure results in the activation of PTEN, but inhibition of Akt and mTOR phosphorylation. The effects of CORT on Flk1 are mediated through calcium (Ca²⁺). CORT exposure results in increased levels of VEGF in cortex. The role of VEGF in Flk1 regulation (or vice versa) under CORT exposure remains unknown. Solid arrows represent activation, whereas dashed arrows represent inhibition of the pathways.</p